Alternative Pathways at Longfield Academy, the Leigh Academy and The Leigh UTC

Students from Longfield Academy, the Leigh Academy and The Leigh UTC attended a seminar on Alternative Pathways after Post 16.

Peter Cobrin of Employment Pathways, www.employmentpathways.org.ukand Sarah Curtis of QA, www. apprenticeships.qa.com kindly hosted 2 separate events, one at Longfield Academy for their current Year 12 students and those from The Leigh UTC, whilst the second event was only for Leigh Academy students.

Content of each of the half day seminars included a great deal of information on the choices between university and apprenticeships; the cost of study versus the benefits of apprenticeships.

As part of the discussion on Post 18 pathways, students were informed about the various apprenticeship courses and their equivalents, higher apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships. He went on to discuss what a higher or degree apprenticeship looks like.

Student comment was:

“The information and knowledge shared by the presenters was valuable, and gave me an insight into things to consider when making choices for my next steps.”

After a break, Sarah went on to discuss, with students, how to make a successful application, CV and interview techniques, research skills and the ‘insider secrets’ that make all the difference.

Teacher comment:

“It was an excellent presentation. I think the particular benefit was Sarah’s input on interviews, cleaning up social media feeds prior to applications and her tips on what students should be doing over the summer to prepare applications to either university or apprenticeships/work from the Autumn.”

Sarah from QA commented:

“The Year 12 students at the Leigh and Longfield had ambition and focus and engaged with both the speakers and the information that was presented. Their questions were well thought through and this time next year some great careers could be about to start”